Top Aussie Rules award shared

A successful undefeated premiership season for the Byron Bay Magpies Aussie Rules team drew to a close with the best and fairest medal count and presentation day.

In a first for the club, two young players shared top position with 38 votes.

Gabe Hart, a dashing half back, first played in a premiership at age 16 but only came back to the game in the last couple of years.

This year he was deputy vice captain and his efforts on the ground, where he used his speed and accurate disposal to perfection, were highlights of many games. He shared the award with eighteenyear-old Karim Kaufman.

Karim, in his first senior year, carried the ruck duties all season. His work in the ruck, coupled with his ability at ground level, continually provided a springboard for the team.

Other awards went to Paul Fisher third in best and fairest, Shem Aitken leading goalkicker, Lance Pititto most consistent, Travis Brown most improved and Gabe Hart best back man.

The footballs may have been deflated, the goal posts removed and the jumpers put in mothballs, but the celebrations will no doubt continue until preseason training starts in January.